How to Give a Fussy Baby a Bath

Has your baby been screaming, fidgeting or fussing during bath time? One-month-old Clay has started objecting to his bath, and every time his feet touch the water, he screams as if he's drowning. Two-month-old Lila fusses for five full minutes before she calms down, but by then her parents' nerves are on edge. Here are eight ways to stop the bath time blues.

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Diaper
• Sponge
• Soft music
• Clothes

Instructions

1. Make Sure Baby is Rested.
   Baby will be less fussy if rested and fed. Bathing is play time and if baby is too tired to enjoy it, baby will be cranky. Schedule bath time for a time that fits baby and your schedules and mood.

2. Choose a Time When You're Relaxed.
   Some parents opt for morning baths when their babies are alert and ready to enjoy the experience. Others prefer evening baths as part of a calming bedtime ritual. What ever time you choose, make sure that you are calm too. Babies can feel it when you're uptight, and that makes everyone fussy. Bath time is calming and fun when you're not in a hurry or likely to be interrupted. Remember, you set the bath mood by being in a good mood.

3. Give Sponge Baths.
   Babies don't need baths every day. In fact, bathing them more often creates dry skin. Sponge baths are more convenient than tub baths, and they're easier on your newborn. Your newborn does not need to have a bath every day. Just clean baby's face, neck and diaper area whenever they are dirty. Be sure that you shower or bathe everyday, though, because taking care of baby is not always easy.

4. Get Everything Ready To Go.
   Keep towels, clothes, diapers within easy reach. Test the water with your hand or elbow to make sure it's not too hot and not too cold. Take baby's clothes off. Put the washcloth in the warm water and squeeze it out until it is just damp. Use the washcloth to gently wipe baby all over. Wipe baby's head, neck and bottom, behind ears and between fingers and toes.

5. Smile and Coo.
   Giving a squirming, crying, peeing baby a bath can be daunting even for the most experienced. However, if you take careful notice of how adorable baby is, you'll be smiling and cooing and baby will sense it.

6. Be Very, Very Gentle.
   Baby responds well to gentle touches and soft voices. Rub baby slowly and very gently. Don't pull or push or rub too hard. Hold baby like you would an egg, carefully. Baby fusses when you're rough or gruff. Wash softly and slowly.

7. Keep Baths Brief.
   Five to ten minutes is best for a bath. If baby starts to protest, quickly rinse baby off and save the rest of the body for another time. Use a wet sponge to finish up the areas that need it.

8. Keep Calm.
   As baby gets used to the feel of the water and the sounds, baby will look forward to this ritual. Play some easy listening music in the background. Stay focused and don't get discouraged. One of these days you won't be able to coax the kids out of the bath.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave your baby alone in water. It's best not to answer the phone or the doorbell during your baby's bath. If you do, pick up baby and carry with you.